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Alice

Classrooms are filled again which means many parents are back to making lunch for kids to take to school. Now is the time to look around and shake things up to avoid falling into a rut sending the same ham sandwich to school every day! Your game plan can involve packing lunches the night before or preparing in the morning while the kids have breakfast. Either way you handle lunch prep, be sure and offer a variety in these first few weeks to see if you can keep it interesting all year long!

What’s in a Sandwich?

Switch up the variety of deli meats and cheese combinations you assemble for the lunch they take to school. Offer honey baked ham or smoked turkey as alternatives to the familiar ham and turkey they know. Does your child only swear by slices of American cheese? Slipping in a mild cheese like Meunster or Monterey Jack may be a subtle change the kids will discover they like.

Call it a Wrap

I don’t even want to say how many bread crust cut-outs came home in my son’s lunch box before I offered to put the ingredients in a tortilla and make a wrap. He clearly was never going to eat the crust. The wraps were a big hit and big brother wanted one every once in awhile too even though he didn’t have the same dislike of bread crust. The wraps also allowed my kids to try different condiments and swap out mayonnaise for a thin layer of Dijon mustard or hummus.

Dinner Leftovers for Lunch

Grilled chicken became a popular request for lunch the next day if it was on the menu for dinner. Thin slices of grilled chicken are great in wraps or on a soft roll. The key is to be sure and pat the cooked chicken dry with a paper towel to avoid a soggy wrap or sandwich. Leftover pasta also makes a great lunch for the next day since it can be room temperature until it gets opened in the cafeteria. This works best with an herb pesto or simple marinara combination.

Soup

Soup is also a food item that can be served at room temperature. If a child prefers the soup at a hotter temperature, it can be kept warm in a thermos if prepared in the morning. Garnishes like shredded cheese for tomato soup or croutons can be sent in a disposable bag.

Quesadillas

Quesadillas are another option that can travel well and be eaten at room temperature. Have the kids help the night before and cut into triangles with a pizza cutter for a fun lunch to pack themselves. Use a good melting cheese combined with chicken or ham and maybe add some spinach leaves for a healthy lunch.

Get more lunch ideas from Bon Appetit here. Make this the school year that goes beyond the same sandwich every day!